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A Montgomery County (web|news) student gets the chance of a lifetime to be up close and personal with Pope Benedict XVI (web|news|bio) .
Colleen Moore's' enthusiasm is infectious as she's about to experience an honor bestowed on only a few people. At Pope Benedict's mass next week she will be bringing the bread and wine to the altar.
The 20-year-old said she wanted to "jump out of her skin" when she learned she'd been chosen. "It's just a very good blessing, it's a good feeling from the heart, it's a very big honor and everything."
Moores is a main-streamed student at Montgomery County's Paint Branch High School. She spends time after school with her aide and companion Joe LaHood. LaHood will be accompanying her to the altar next week.
"When I heard that it was going to be her I was so happy I couldn't, I really didn't have words. I still don't have words but, I was just so joyful that she was chosen," LaHood said.
Moores' disabilities have posed numerous challenges during her two decade long life. Through it all, her mother, Missey Moores, says Colleen's spirituality has supported and sustained her. Serving the Pope is like a dream come true.
"It's an unbelievable answer to prayer. It's nothing we could have ever prayed for," Missey Moores said, "This is beyond winning the Powerball. This is far bigger than that and for us this is like, ahhhh!"
Colleen's family has put pictures of Pope Benedict on a tray on her wheelchair. In the coming days she will look at these photos to prepare for what will likely be one of the most important days of her life.
Fifteen other local people will be among the gift bearers in the mass. Along with Moores, there will be four other disabled people taking part in the historic event.
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